Fashion clothing brands are creating sophisticated looks for this timeless aesthetic that is known as dark academia. Take a peek at the best brands to shop this classic aesthetic online!
Dark academia fashion is a popular trend, but not all stores carry it.
If you Google dark academic fashion or clothing, several websites that provide links to used clothing suppliers will appear.
These websites are not helpful or conducive to buying the dark academia style.
So to help you create your own timeless and unique wardrobe, we put together the best-curated list of where to buy your dark academic clothing and accessories from the top online shops!
But first…
What Is Dark Academia Fashion?
Dark Academia is a fashion style inspired by the academic world and literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
It’s like a preppy fashion statement defined by its classic staples like tweed jackets, loafers, and ties. The outfits are often in dark and muted colors and tones.
Accessory items can range from leather-bound book bags to tortoiseshell sunglasses adding a nice touch to the overall style.
Who is the ideal candidate to wear dark academic attire?
Since the dark academia style is an art, fashion, and culture statement and takes inspiration from traditional academic settings, people interested in classic literature, history, and philosophy can have fun putting together an outfit that shows off their interests.
Not only that, but dark academia is for you if you also enjoy life’s finer things, have sophisticated fashion tastes, and are interested in arts and humanities such as theatre, music, and languages.
What you need to know about dark academic style.
1. Choose timeless silhouettes with classic cuts. The dark academia style is about elegance and sophistication.
2. Use muted colors. Dark academic style is best characterized by neutral shades like olive green, navy, light browns, and beige.
3. Include vintage pieces. Vintage items like cardigans and tweed jackets are essential to achieve the dark academic look.
4. Accessorize in dark textures. Add sophistication to a dark academic outfit by accessorizing with different textures and shades such as leather, corduroy, and suede.
5. Choose quality pieces. When it comes to dark academic style, quality is vital. Invest in timeless items that will last for many years!
To understand the aesthetic better, check out my related post, 60+ Free Dark Academia Wallpapers For Your iPhone!
It’s a romantic iteration that nicely blends the English literary vibe well.
23 Dark Academia Fashion Brands You Need To Check Out!
Take a peek at these 23 online retailers on where to shop for the best dark academia outfits. P.S. All of the photos are shoppable!
1. Petal + Pup clothing brand.
Shop this Talaren Pant here.
Petal + Pup is an Australian-based fashion label established in 2019. This brand specializes in classic wardrobe staples, from jeans and trousers to shirts, blouses, and dresses.
Petal + Pup also focuses on sustainable and ethical production, sourcing materials from eco-friendly suppliers, and has a low-impact dyeing process.
Why is Petal + Pup the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Petal + Pup is the best shop to buy dark academia clothing because they offer a wide range of pieces, including classic, timeless styles and more modern interpretations.
They also constantly update their clothing selection with new articles, and additionally, they offer free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns so you can shop confidently.
See Also: 15 Brilliant DIY Clothing Fixes That Every Girl Should Know
2. Anthropologie Fashion Brand.
The Dark Academia style is a subculture that draws inspiration from traditional academic fashion but with an added twist of dark, moody color palettes and retro-inspired accessories.
Anthropologie Dark Academia clothes are about embracing academia’s mystery and romance while staying true to modern fashion.
This online site stays true to the dark academia style, and you can find almost anything you are looking for.
You definitely can’t go wrong with Anthropology for anything these days!
3. ASOS Dark Academia Fashion.
ASOS, a UK-based fashion and beauty retailer, is an excellent place to purchase dark academic clothing.
They offer a variety of items that are in line with the style. These include tweed jackets, turtlenecks, and corduroy pants.
There are also affordable options, and they update their inventory frequently. This makes it easy to find that perfect piece.
ASOS offers a wide range of accessories, including bags, shoes, scarves, and jewelry.
See Also: How To Dress To Look Thinner: 25 Fashion Tips For ALL Body Types
4. Dynamite Fashion Brand.
Dynamite offers a variety of classic and trendy pieces for the academic style, including plaid blazers and high-waisted trousers.
They also have knit and knitted sweaters and a variety of sizes, and they often run sales and promotions. This makes it easy to find affordable and stylish pieces that fit any budget.
Dynamite is an essential fashion label that blends the Dark Academia aesthetic with modern style to help you effortlessly achieve a dark academic look.
5. Etsy (for vintage/unique pieces).
Shop this Dark Academia Sweatshirt here.
Etsy is easily one of our most favorite marketplaces for buying and selling handmade home products and craft items.
However, you can easily find loads of vintage clothing on Etsy, too, with a wide range selection of unique pieces to choose from, from around the world artisans.
Etsy has a lot of dark academic clothing and outfit ideas to choose from, so take a peek and see what outfit ideas you find!
6. Shein (the most affordable dark academia pieces!).
Shein is an online fast-fashion retailer based in China. The brand offers affordable and trendy styles for women, men, and children.
Shein focuses on quality, affordability, and trend-focused designs, with collections ranging from basics to statement pieces.
They also have a dedicated plus size and maternity section, offering fashionable and comfortable clothing for various sizes and shapes.
Why is Shein the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Shein is the best place to shop for dark academia clothing because it offers a vast selection of stylish and extremely affordable clothing perfect for achieving the dark academic aesthetic.
The site offers low prices for virtually everything from blazers and sweaters to skirts, dresses, accessories, and home decor.
Shein also offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount and has frequent sales and discounts, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
7. Uniqlo clothing brand.
Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer.
It is known for its high-quality, affordable, and fashionable basics, such as t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters.
Why is Uniqlo the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Uniqlo is a great place to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer a wide range of clothing options that are both stylish and affordable.
Their clothing is also very versatile, meaning you can easily dress them up or down depending on the occasion.
Uniqlo has a wide range of colors and prints that are perfect for creating a dark academic outfit.
8. Sandro Paris clothing brand.
Sandro Paris is a French luxury fashion house founded in 1984 by Evelyne Chetrite and her husband, Didier Chetrite.
The brand is known for its modern and contemporary designs combining classic silhouettes and distinctive detailing.
Sandro Paris is famous for its ready-to-wear women’s clothing, leather goods, shoes, and accessories.
There are stores in many countries worldwide, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Why is Sandro Paris the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Sandro Paris is the best place to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer a range of timeless, classic, and sophisticated pieces that are perfect for creating a classic, dark academic look.
They have a selection of high-quality clothing and accessories that are inspired by the timeless style of the French bourgeoisie.
Their collection is also updated regularly with new pieces, so you can easily stay on top of the current trends and find something unique and stylish throughout the year.
9. Mango clothing brand.
Shop these High heel leather boots here.
Mango is an international fashion brand that was established in Barcelona in 1984. It is known for its stylish and contemporary designs created for the modern woman.
Mango offers clothing, accessories, and footwear for both women and men, and the brand’s products are designed with a focus on quality, style, and comfort.
The brand has stores in over 100 countries and is available online in over 80 countries, making it one of the world’s leading fashion retailers.
Why is Mango the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Mango is a great place to shop for dark academic clothing because they have a good selection of stylish and on-trend pieces that remain classic and timeless.
Mango also offers a wide range of sizes and styles, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
10. Madewell clothing brand.
Madewell is a clothing brand specializing in women’s modern and timeless designs.
Founded in 2006, it has become a popular go-to for casual and elevated wardrobe basics.
Madewell is known for its high-quality denim, classic tees, timeless sweaters, and modern wardrobe essentials like blazers, jumpsuits, and dresses.
The brand is also committed to sustainability and offers an extensive selection of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
Why is Madewell the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Madewell is one of the best places to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer a wide selection of timeless and classic pieces that are perfect for achieving the dark academia look.
Many of their items are made with quality fabrics and materials, so you can be sure that your dark academia wardrobe will last long.
11. Everlane clothing brand.
Shop The Corduroy Wide-Leg Pant here.
Everlane is a clothing brand founded in 2010 by Michael Preysman and utilizes ethical factories, transparent pricing, and modern designs to create timeless and contemporary clothing for men and women.
Everlane offers a range of clothing, from basics to outerwear, accessories, shoes, and bags.
The company focuses on sustainability and is committed to ensuring its products are produced in ethical factories that are inspected regularly.
Why is Everlane the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Everlane is the best place to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer ethically sourced, high-quality items at an affordable price.
Their timeless and classic pieces are perfect for creating a sophisticated, vintage look.
They also offer a wide selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and outerwear, making it easy to put together a complete dark academia outfit.
12. Theory clothing brand.
Theory is a contemporary clothing brand for men and women. It offers modern apparel that combines timeless elegance with a modern edge that focuses on quality materials and craftsmanship, creating pieces designed to last.
Why is Theory the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Theory is a great place to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer pieces that are timeless yet modern at the same time.
They have a range of classic cuts and silhouettes perfect for creating a sophisticated and elegant look for any occasion.
They also offer a variety of fabrics, colors, and textures that can help add a unique touch to any look.
13. Free People clothing brand for women.
Free People has a selection of romantic and feminine pieces that will add a touch of chicness to your dark academia wardrobe.
They are an American clothing brand that offers a wide range of apparel and accessories for women that focuses on providing fashion-forward styles for young women who want to express their individuality.
Why is Free People the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
Free People is the perfect place to shop for dark academia clothing because of their wide selection of vintage-inspired styles.
They range from classic and preppy to easily piece together a timeless dark academic look with cozy sweaters and cable-knit cardigans to pleated skirts and Oxford blazers.
14. All Saints clothing brand for women.
All Saints is a British fashion brand for women offering a range of apparel, accessories, and footwear!
The brand is best known for its edgy and timeless designs, offering classic and contemporary pieces which are perfect for the dark academia style.
This unique brand also strongly focuses on leather and denim, offering an array of leather jackets, coats, skirts, and jeans that are perfect for any dark academia outfit.
15. ModCloth.
ModCloth is another popular American online retailer of women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor based in San Francisco and operates in 5 countries.
This clothing brand has a wide range of vintage to modern clothing, including dresses, skirts, tops, blouses, sweaters, jackets, jeans, leggings, plus-size clothing, and even swimwear.
Why is ModCloth the best place to shop for dark academia clothing?
ModCloth is a great place to shop for dark academia clothing because they offer a wide selection of unique items from independent designers.
Their clothing is stylish, timeless, and always on trend, which is perfect for creating a dark academia look.
16. J.Crew clothing brand.
J.Crew is a multi-brand American clothing retailer founded in 1983.
The brand has become known for its preppy, classic style, ranging from menswear and womenswear to accessories, shoes, and childrenswear.
J.Crew has a wide selection of classic pieces perfect for achieving a dark academia look.
From tweed blazers and trousers to cable-knit sweaters and oxford shirts, the store has a variety of pieces that can be used to create a stylish and sophisticated look.
17. H&M clothing brand for dark academia.
H&M is a Swedish fashion retail company founded in 1947. H&M offers a wide selection of clothing for women and is known for its trend-driven collections and affordability.
H&M offers a range of pieces that would fit perfectly in a dark academia wardrobe, such as corduroy trousers, blazers, and tailored shirts for a classic literature look.
Try a leather or faux leather jacket, a cozy knit sweater, or a patterned skirt for a more modern take on the style.
18. Reformation Fashion Brand.
Reformation is a fashion brand that celebrates the spirit of the Reformation and its commitment to progress, creativity, and beauty.
They create modern, timeless pieces to empower ALL women to be their best selves.
Reformation is also perfect for dark academia because they strive to produce stylish, innovative pieces that are ethically and sustainably made and are always on point with new trends.
19. Levi’s Dark School looks.
This store offers a great selection of fashionable clothing, from casual basics to upscale formalwear and everything in between.
They also carry various jean sizes and styles for both men and women, ensuring everyone can find something to fit their dark academia style.
Additionally, Levi’s offers several discounts and sales, so Levi’s can save money while still making you look fashionable when you want to follow fashion trends such as the dark academia style.
20. Urban Outfitters Dark Academia Fashion Brand.
Since dark Academia is a fashion trend inspired by classic literature, old films, and the traditional education of the past with muted colors, vintage silhouettes, and a focus on students’ intellectual and artistic pursuits, Urban Outfitters characterizes this aesthetic well.
Urban Outfitters features pieces inspired by classic literature and films but with a modern twist.
Their clothing includes plaid blazers, tweed skirts, oxford shirts, turtlenecks, cardigans, and dark-colored trousers.
You really can’t go wrong shopping at Urban Outfitters for the dark academia look.
21. Nasty Gal clothing brand.
Nasty Gal is a fashion and lifestyle brand that is loved by many.
They sell really unique clothing, shoes, and accessories, and the brand is known for its edgy, trend-forward styles and unique approach to fashion, making it a must for the literary style that is dark academia.
Nasty Gal also offers a wide range of casual basic plaids and turtle necks, high-end designer pieces, and even vintage items.
22. Everlane Dark Academia Fashion Brand.
Everlane is another great place to shop for Dark Academia clothing because it offers timeless and classic pieces that perfectly embody the school style – from tailored trousers and lightweight sweaters to oxford shirts and blazers.
Moreover, their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices also ensures you can shop guilt-free!
23. Zara Academia aesthetic.
Lastly, Zara is another excellent place to shop for Dark Academia clothing style because it offers a wide variety of classic and timeless pieces that are perfect for creating a dark and sophisticated look.
Their clothes range from blazers and suits to sweaters, trousers, and skirts, and they come in timeless colors such as black, navy, and gray, so you can quickly and easily build a dark academia wardrobe.
More Inspiring Dark Academia Outfit and Architecture ideas:
Dark academia old architecture inspo
Classic reading room inspiration for the dark academia aesthetic
Casual dark academia outfit inspiration
Library muse
There you have it! You’ll be hooked in no time once you start wearing the dark academia trend.
These clothing pieces really stand the test of time and can be mixed and matched with most trends that are evolving these days.
If you do find an online retailer you like that is not on this list, reach out to us in the comments, and we’ll add it.
Up Next: 57 Plaid Pants Perfect For Fall And Spring (All Under $35)
Author: Everything Abode
Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!
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